Work

Effects of Physical Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The FitForLife National Intervention in Sweden

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: (1) Background: Individuals affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) have an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with lower cardiometabolic risk. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a six-month-long physical exercise intervention on CRF and cardiometabolic risk factors as well as whether the effect differed between sexes and different baseline CRF in SSD patients. (2) Methods: 122 patients at psychiatric open care units agreed to participate, 55 did not provide blood samples, and 14 dropped out, leaving 53 patients with complete pre-post data. BMI, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, HbA1c, blood lipids, and CRF from ergometer bicycle tests were measured before and after the intervention. CRF was stratified into three groups. (3) Results: Cardiometabolic disturbances were common at baseline. After the intervention, all females and the group with the lowest CRF at baseline improved in triglyceride levels. The latter group also improved in CRF. (4) Conclusions: Females and those with the lowest baseline CRF had improved post-intervention, but causality cannot be inferred because our study was a non-randomized study without a control group.

Source: Life

DOI: 10.3390/life15101637

Authors: Yvonne Forsell, Maria Skott, Buse Yel Bektash, Astrid Syvertsen, Örjan Ekblom, Catharina Lavebratt

Institutions: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska University Hospital, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Schizophrenia research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137